Reds v North Berwick (Oct 16)

Reds Ramp Up Performance

Linlithgow 26 – 8 North Berwick

Saturday 01 October 2016

The game started in blazing sunshine with the participants of the TGIS sponsored lunch looking on. For the first day of October, it seemed more like July as Captain Stuart Bell led out the team with mascots Joe Withnell and Rhys Davies.

The coaching staff had stern words after last weeks performance and the players responded to it, getting in the opposition faces from the start. Although it was North Berwick who scored first with a penalty, it was Linlithgow that dominated the play with some sustained pressure on the visitors 22. However, despite several thwarted attempts, the only reward was a penalty from Jack Frame. Another good break by Edment and Ross Martin resulted in another penalty, followed up quickly by another, both slotted over by Frame.

The visitors came back strongly and the home side showed some great defence to keep their line secure and allowed Whitelaw to clear and the danger. The game was pretty even at this stage, and North Berwick missed a chance to get 3 points back just before half time. The half ended with Linlithgow leading 9-3.

The second half started well for Linlithgow. North Berwick were struggling to cope with attack after attack, and Jack Frame slotted over another penalty, then narrowly missed another one. The young Linlithgow pack were dominant, with youngsters Mark Caddle and man of the match Sean Hagerty showing great promise. Inevitably, the visitors were due a good spell, and they scored a well worked try in the corner showing excellent handling, the conversion missed.

This only seemed to galvanise Linlithgow, who scored a try from substitute Cameron Dori-Muir, converted by Frame. The visitors were struggling now, and one player was sent to the bin. Linlithgow duly piled on the pressure and after great work by Captain Stuart Bell, Andy Whitelaw was on hand to score under the posts. Frame made no mistake with the conversion. Linlithgow could have increased their lead further but the ball was knocked on. The game ended with Linlithgow once again looking to score but the opportunity was lost.

This was a much improved performance by Linlithgow, having taking on board the comments expressed last week, as well as being against difficult opponents who finished second in the league last season.